Improve EPC Rating UK Before Applying for a Heat Pump Grant

Q: What is the minimum EPC rating for a heat pump grant?

You usually need an EPC rating of E or better to qualify for grants like BUS or ECO4.

Q: Can I get funding for insulation?

Yes. Under ECO4, many insulation upgrades are 100% funded for eligible households.

waqasdigital6
Aug 7
5 min read

Quick Summary

Are you looking to apply for a heat pump grant but worried your home’s EPC rating might be too low? You’re not alone. Thousands of UK homeowners face the same issue — and the good news is: there are simple, cost-effective steps you can take to improve your EPC rating before applying.

Discover actionable upgrades that boost your EPC fast
Understand the minimum EPC rating for grant eligibility
Learn how Air Source Company helps you qualify for funding

Introduction: Improve EPC Rating UK for Grant Success

To apply for most heat pump grants in the UK, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) or ECO4, your property needs to meet a certain Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating — usually E or above.

Starting with the right foundation is crucial. A low EPC can mean your home isn’t energy-efficient enough for grant approval. That’s where improving your EPC rating becomes a powerful first step — and the best part? It’s easier (and more affordable) than most people think.

Air Source Company advisor explaining how to improve EPC rating UK

At Air Source Company, we guide homeowners like you across the UK on how to improve EPC rating UK to unlock funding and future-proof your home’s heating. This blog shows you exactly what steps to take — from quick wins to deeper upgrades.

What Is an EPC Rating and Why Does It Matter?

Your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating measures how energy efficient your home is. It ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It’s a legal requirement when selling or renting — and also crucial when applying for government-backed heat pump grants.

An EPC Rating Considers:

Insulation quality (loft, cavity wall, underfloor)
Boiler/heating system efficiency
Window glazing and door seals
Lighting and ventilation systems
Energy usage and environmental impact

A better EPC rating means:

Lower energy bills
Higher property value
Access to £7,500+ in grants for clean energy upgrades

➡️ Tip: Most heat pump grants require at least an EPC rating of E or D — improving this is often step one.

Improve EPC Rating UK: Simple Upgrades That Work

Improving your EPC rating doesn't mean you need to spend thousands. In fact, many effective upgrades are low-cost — and some are grant-eligible themselves.

1. Loft Insulation

Adding or topping up insulation in your loft is one of the easiest ways to gain EPC points. It helps prevent heat loss and cuts your heating bills instantly.

Cost: From £300–£500
Impact: Boosts EPC by up to 10 points

2. Cavity Wall Insulation

Homes built after 1930 often have cavity walls that can be filled with insulation foam or beads. This traps heat and reduces drafts.

Cost: From £500–£1,200
Grants Available: Often fully funded via ECO4

3. Upgrade to Low-Energy Lighting

Switching from halogen or incandescent bulbs to LEDs is a quick win.

Cost: Minimal (from £2 per bulb)
Impact: +1–2 EPC points

4. Draught-Proofing and Double Glazing

Sealing windows and upgrading to double glazing significantly reduces energy waste.

Cost: From £200 for draught-proofing kits
EPC Impact: Moderate depending on your current setup

5. Install a Smart Thermostat

This improves your heating efficiency and lowers energy waste.

Cost: From £150–£250
Bonus: Many smart thermostats are grant-eligible too

6. Replace Inefficient Heating Systems

An old gas boiler or electric storage heater brings down your EPC. Replacing with a heat pump or efficient boiler improves both rating and comfort.

➡️ Air Source Company will help you prioritize the right changes for your property.

How Much Can You Improve an EPC Rating?

You can often raise your rating by 1–3 bands with simple changes. For example:

From F to D: Loft + cavity insulation + new lighting
From E to C: Add smart thermostat + new heating controls + double glazing

Every point matters. Even moving from E to D can unlock £7,500+ in grants.

➡️ Pro Tip: Book a pre-survey with Air Source Company to assess your upgrade potential.

Improve EPC Rating UK – Steps Before Applying for a Heat Pump Grant

Many homeowners ask us: “What should I do before applying for a heat pump grant?” Here’s your step-by-step checklist:

Step 1: Check Your Current EPC

You can find your property’s current EPC online via the UK Government EPC Register.

If you’re rated F or G, you’ll likely need improvements first.

Step 2: Book a Free Home Survey

With Air Source Company, we offer a free, no-pressure home survey to check your property’s energy performance.

Includes insulation, heating, and grant eligibility review

Step 3: Identify Quick Upgrade Wins

Based on your survey, we’ll suggest fast, low-cost upgrades to push your EPC rating higher — often in just a few days.

Step 4: Get a New EPC (If Needed)

After improvements, we’ll help you arrange a new EPC to reflect the changes.

Step 5: Apply for Grants

Once your EPC hits the right level, we help you apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, ECO4, or local council funding.

➡️ You don’t have to manage this alone — Air Source Company walks you through every step.

FAQs

1. What is the minimum EPC rating for a heat pump grant?

You usually need an EPC rating of E or better to qualify for grants like BUS or ECO4.

2. How can I improve my EPC rating quickly?

Add loft or cavity wall insulation, upgrade lighting to LEDs, and seal drafts. These steps are fast and affordable.

3. Do I need a new EPC before applying?

Yes, if your current EPC is outdated or too low. We help arrange a reassessment after improvements.

4. Can I get funding for insulation?

Yes. Under ECO4, many insulation upgrades are 100% funded for eligible households.

5. Will a smart thermostat help my EPC?

Yes, it can slightly increase your rating by improving heating efficiency.

6. Can Air Source Company help with the full process?

Absolutely — we handle everything from surveys to EPC improvements to grant paperwork.

Real Example: From EPC F to D in Manchester

Property: 2-bed semi-detached home built in 1925
Location: Manchester, UK
Improvements: Loft insulation, LED lighting, heating controls
EPC Boost: From F to D in 7 days
Outcome: Qualified for £7,500 BUS grant, installed air source heat pump within 3 weeks
This homeowner saved on bills and unlocked funding — starting with just a few key upgrades.